Building Connections and Vision: Westcliff University’s Student Leadership Retreat

In the morning light, a group of Westcliff University peer mentors gathered, buzzing with excitement. The destination of these student leaders? The beautiful San Onofre Beach, where a day of bonding and discovery awaited. This retreat was more than just a break from routine; it was a chance to forge lasting connections and shape the future of the diverse Westcliff community. This group, composed entirely of international students from around the world including India, Nepal, and Nigeria, is an excellent reflection of the amazing diversity found at Westcliff.

Setting Up Camp and Establishing a Shared Vision

Once at San Onofre, students dove straight into meaningful conversations about legacy—what it means to leave a mark and how to build something that lasts. Through group discussions and personal reflection, they shared their insights and dreams, bringing everyone closer together. After these discussions led the way to enjoying the natural beauty of San Onofre; one of the many world-class beaches Westcliff students can find around Southern California. The students swam in the ocean waters and relaxed under the sun, making the most of the beautiful surroundings. A short drive down the coast brought the group to their campsite, a spot close to the ocean where they could still hear the waves. Working together, they set up tents and established their home for the night, teamwork making the task light and fun. With camp set up, the focus shifted to another important topic: vision. They discussed the power of a shared vision and the collective goals for the Westcliff Student Life program, brainstorming ways to reach more students and make a meaningful impact.

Unity Under the Stars: An Evening of Collaboration and Camaraderie

As evening fell, some students went on a short hike while others prepared dinner, turning the meal into a collaborative feast. They ate together then watched the sunset, enjoying a moment of unity and peace. The night wrapped up with a cozy campfire, where they made s’mores and shared light-hearted stories, laughing and bonding under the stars. The next morning, they rose with the sun, prepared breakfast, packed up camp, and headed home, carrying with them the memories of a transformative experience.

Tayler Henslick, Westcliff Senior Student Affairs Manager had this to say while on the retreat, “A team that trusts one another and has a deep connection can do anything, so we created a space for team members to see each other in a different environment so they could establish trust and build a community within the team itself that would transcend to the community at large.”

Students left feeling more connected, many having camped for the first time in their lives. The discussions on legacy and vision sparked meaningful conversations, allowing team members to laugh together and be vulnerable, ultimately leading to a deeper sense of community. And the consensus was clear that the students wanted more of these experiences. Peer mentor, Mahum Zeidi said, “I appreciate the thought provoking discussions we had about legacy and vision. The conversations sparked new insights and also fostered deeper connections among the team members, which was great.”

The Role of Peer Mentors in Westcliff’s Student Life

At the heart of Westcliff University’s vibrant student life are the peer mentors. This dedicated group of students is committed to building the Westcliff community and supporting their peers throughout their educational journey. Coming from diverse programs and backgrounds, peer mentors provide academic support, foster social connections, and help newcomers acclimate to a new school and country. They also lead various clubs and events on campus, creating avenues for students to thrive and feel at home. Learn more about peer mentors or connect with them here.

The recent student leadership retreat at San Onofre Beach was a testament to the power of connection, vision, and the lasting legacy these student leaders are building at Westcliff University.